This is our 22nd season on Island Spirit and it has NOT become old or boring. This is also our 20+th run on the ICW, 10 south and 10 north, and it is just as much fun as when we first ran this in 2009. We are excited to share this run with our longtime buddy boat svLUCILLE, Jeff and Sharon. We departed Rock Hall, MD Oct 6th, and anchored out in our home creek of Swan Creek. From there, we made our normal Chesapeake Bay run of Rock Hall to Solomons, then Solomons to Deltaville, then Deltaville to Willoughby Bay, then on to Portsmouth at ICW Mile Marker Zero. Each of these days is about 50 miles, taking 8+ hours to run. At the end of each day, we anchor, take hot showers and make a nice meal or go out with buddies. I have taken so many photos, as that is my hobby, and here are some of the best with captions to show the joy of this adventure…..
Photos of Rock Hall MD to ICW Mile Zero
We departed and the first milestone is passing under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge at Annapolis MD.Always a very fun photoIt is cold, we are layered up. 52f coldest at night in the bunk!Full cockpit enclosure we count as a top three item: Radar, Autopilot, EnclosureBrrrrrrrrrSailing wing on wing in 20+ knots, we lost the mainsail outhaul shackle. Here you can see the mainsail forward is off its outhaulWe had to spin around into the wind and drop the mainsail into the stack pack. Then we sail on with Jib only.The sun is bright and the water sparkles with reflections.We arrive Deltaville, VA and it is a party at the Tap Room and Raw Bar meeting up with Island Packet friends Jeff, Sharon and Ty. (Sadly, the photo with Stu and Chuck did not turn out.)Leaving Deltaville, we are still working on the autopilot issues. Here you can see we commissioned the digital compass with a slow 360-degree turn.Anchored out in Willoughby Bay is always a great spot to rest and enjoy, Here is the sunrise that morning.SunriseThe reward for a completed Bay run is always the town of Portsmouth VA. Docking right on Water Steet and High Street, we have it all to ourselves….until….Full Moon Rise over PortsmouthOur fleet of Island Packet Yachts take over the basin, 35 JUST DUCKY and 37 CAMBIARIsland Spirit with her 14 territory / country flags flyingTeam 37 CAMBIAR arrived, Larry and Ruth AnnIsland Spirit looking festive35 JUST DUCKY, Mahlon and LindaThe #1 venue on the ICW, the Commodore Movie TheaterRequired Selfie with Jeff and SharonSouth of Portsmouth the Great Bridge single lock keeps the saltwater to the north and the brackish waters to the southAnother cool place to dock up is the town of Great Bridge, where we enjoyed the Great Bridge Battlefield Museum. We always stop here as it then makes a nice run to Coinjock.
There we are….
As you can see, this first week of running south has been full of wonderful stops shared with great boating friends. This is the beauty of the ICW and the many stops along the waterway. The diversity of towns versus remote anchorages mixed in with wonderful colonial history presents a very educational and adventurous time. Thank you for sailing along!
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We are able to experience the joy of the trip down the bay you so beautifully picture. We are so glad you got to enjoy the fabulous Portsmouth dinner theatre.
I’ll bet you wish that you had installed that full enclosure 22 years ago. Barb and I always enjoyed ours, sailing in tee shirts, while other crews huddled in their cockpits.
Even sailing in the tropics, we kept the windward curtains zipped closed and that way we were sheltered from the spray and the wind that could sap your energy during a passage.
Safe journey to you and the fleet.
Jay & Barb, (remembering our seasons on our IP 370, Jupiter’s Smile)
Great photos you guys!
The enclosure looks soooo clear. Its like you are in a glass bubble.
The weather does not look so warm but you are heading south so it only gets better.
I’m surprised at how cold it all looks…
I was wondering why you have a tablet as well as an MFD at the helm?
But I’m really waiting to hear the report from Coinjock!!
–Reuben
Aww sweet! The adventure has begun. Looking forward to the next leg and all of those that follow. Stay safe. Loretta
We are able to experience the joy of the trip down the bay you so beautifully picture. We are so glad you got to enjoy the fabulous Portsmouth dinner theatre.
Looks like you had great weather. We hope the rest of your trip south is good. From the crew of Panacea.
I’ll bet you wish that you had installed that full enclosure 22 years ago. Barb and I always enjoyed ours, sailing in tee shirts, while other crews huddled in their cockpits.
Even sailing in the tropics, we kept the windward curtains zipped closed and that way we were sheltered from the spray and the wind that could sap your energy during a passage.
Safe journey to you and the fleet.
Jay & Barb, (remembering our seasons on our IP 370, Jupiter’s Smile)
Great photos you guys!
The enclosure looks soooo clear. Its like you are in a glass bubble.
The weather does not look so warm but you are heading south so it only gets better.
Have fun and stay safe.
Greg & Kate in London
Weigh anchor. Leave the safe harbor behind. Sail on SV Island Spirit!